THE SECRET OF HONEYCAKE

Posted on January 19, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

THE SECRET OF HONEYCAKE is set in Maine during the 1930’s depression era. Hurricane (pictured on the cover) is an 11-year-old living with her older sister (Bronte) in a tall house on the coast. Dad died in World War I and then mom passed away after contracting tuberculosis.

The bad news gets even worse when Bronte is also diagnosed with tuberculosis. Hurricane is taken away to live with Aunt Claire, leaving behind her beloved dog, Brody-Bear with neighbors. This turn of events is upsetting to Hurricane. but she is externally a very quiet girl and can never seem to get the words out as to how she feels.

The very judgemental Aunt Claire is not helping, always pointing out things Hurricane is doing wrong. Fortunately there is the kind man who serves as the aunt’s cook and chauffeur by the name of Mr. Keats. His attitude is very encouraging and it helps bring change for both Hurricane and Aunt Claire.

There are 123 chapters ranging from less than a half page to 3 pages. They are more like separate scenes as Hurricane narrates her strong desire to get back home and run through the sand with her big cuddly dog. A stray cat and Theo, a new friend help Hurricane stay optimistic about what the future holds. For Aunt Claire that is dealing with a depleted financial state and trying to remember the Honeycake recipe she grew up loving.

THE SECRET OF HONEYCAKE is a journey filled with emotion that will leave readers with a warm feeling. You will also learn about the Great Depression’s impact. The quiet ending will leave you satisfied to have spent time with this memorable story.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: January 21, 2025 PAGE COUNT: 368

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE SECRET OF HONEYCAKE by Kimberly Newton Fusco

  1. The change in all the characters by the last page is heartwarming. It’s all positive with Hurricane and Aunt Claire leading the way.
  2. Theo who sells his grandfather’s fish, does so by pushing a cart through the streets. He’s the friend everyone should have, always focused on the positive and becoming a vet so he can care for animals. What a great character!
  3. The depiction of this era is obviously well researched by the author. From M. Keats suffering from the aftereffects of WWI to the additional suffering for those who lived during this time.
  4. You’ll be wanting to try some of your own Honeycake. This recipe might get you started; https://www.recipetineats.com/honey-cake/
  5. Hurricane had a terrible teacher, but not everyone teaches in such a forceful way. Hurricane is given hope for better days ahead with a new teacher who seems more open to helping.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kimberly Newton Fusco is the author of five novels for young readers, all published by Knopf Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House.

Her books have received multiple awards, including the American Library Association’s Schneider Family Book Award, the Parents’ Choice Silver Medal, the ALA Best Book for Young Adults, the New York Public Library Best Books for Teens, the International Reading Association’s Notable Book list, and Bank Street College’s Best Books of the Year list. Her books were twice named Rhode Island Book of the Year by The Alliance for the Study and Teaching of Adolescent Literature at Rhode Island College – ASTAL, and she was a finalist for the Julia Ward Howe Young Readers Award by the Boston Authors Club.

She was a national award-winning education writer for the Worcester (MA) Telegram before becoming a novelist.  She is a graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

Raised in Massachusetts, she now lives with her family in Rhode Island, the Ocean State. (Visit Kimberly’s author web page)

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Be sure to check out all the other great features and reviews on today’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!

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THE EVERYBODY EXPERIMENT

Posted on January 17, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

The summer between the end of elementary school and the start of middle school can be a tough one for kids. Leaving the familiar along with the anticipation and worries about entering a new phase in one’s life can be overwhelming.

This was never more true than for Kylie. She doesn’t feel as mature as her friends- Naomi, Nikila, and Mara. They’ve been together for a long time. Will they lose interest in her and move on? And how does one control crying all the time?

Kylie’s solution is a science experiment with the hypothesis that she will become more mature by doing whatever her friends are doing. She’ll also try to not cry as much. It proves to be a difficult summer since it means doing some things she would normally not do.

Kylie is also working on her brown belt in karate and has a loving family of two parents and a younger sister. She just wishes her dad didn’t travel so much in his job. The heartfelt, first person narration will appeal to girls in 5th-6th grade who are facing some of the same uncertainties.

It was a plus to follow along Kylie’s scientific procedure in providing some answers. The ending of THE EVERYBODY EXPERIMENT is perfect and will help others see the bigger picture about life and growing up.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Moore Ramée was born and raised in Los Angeles and now lives in Northern California, with her husband, daughter, obnoxious cat, rambunctious dog and more yard than she can control. She earned a BA in Speech Communications from San Francisco State (go Gators!) and a MA in English Literature (focusing on Creative Writing) from Cal State East Bay. She worked for several years in publishing at the Walt Disney Company, first in Disney Comics, and then with Licensed Publishing. While there, she co-penned The Little Mermaid, Jr. Graphic Novel and the writing bug took up permanent residence.She is a devotee of Top Chef and Project Runway and would like to work either (or both) in a plot one day in order to be invited onto the shows as a guest judge. A Good Kind of Trouble, her first novel, received critical acclaim, garnered three starred reviews (PW, Kirkus and SLJ) and became a bestseller. It appeared on numerous “best of” lists for 2019. Something to Say received three starred reviews (Kirkus, SLJ and BookPage), was an Indie Next Pick and a Kirkus best of 2020 book. MapMaker was her debut fantasy middle-grade novel and she returns to contemporary fiction in 2024 with The Everybody Experiment.

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.

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Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 1/13/25

Posted on January 13, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of THE SKY KING, Book 2 in the Sky Riders series, by Polly Holyoke.

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library has a review of The Last Great Hier: Feast and Famine by Carina Finn.

Susan Uhlig shares the early middle grade novel, THE HOTEL BALZAAR by Kate DiCamillo. 

Carol Baldwin shares the cover of her new novel, Half-Truths, an upper MG/YA title. Congratulations!

Faith Hough is back with a review of Botticelli’s Apprentice, by Ursula Murray Husted.

Valinora Troy reviews Aliya Aboard the Time Train by Laila Rafaat.

Jennifer Rummel gives us a peak at the 2025 books she is looking forward to reading.

Maria Antonia has a post about Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson.

Welcome to Katy Kramp @alibrarymama.com as she joins us for the first time. She shares 15 Middle Grade Spec Fic Books that Got Away (Ones she loved that never made it to the finals for Cybils).

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of NOT NOTHING by Gayle Forman. Rosi also shares three links for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out her MMGM choice for this week and my favorite review from last week: THE COLOR OF A LIE.

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SKYRIDERS – THE SKY KING

Posted on January 12, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

The SKYRIDERS SERIES continues with Book 2, THE SKY KING. This is a separate adventure with reminders of what happened in book one. Still though you might be longing to start from the beginning like I did with my review last week of SKYRIDERS.

Our 13-year-old heroine, Kie, and her brave flying horse known as a skysteed previously helped the empire defeat the three headed chimarae monsters. Kie and N’Rah have returned home and lead a more quiet life as mail couriers in the sky.

Her life is interrupted once more upon receiving a message from the emperor to find Sky King, the leader of the wild skysteeds. The chimerae will certainly be back and they need more help to defeat them for good. She agrees and takes with her a team of young riders and skysteeds. The long journey is interrupted by a new bold creature out for blood: vultirens, large birds like the one pictured on the lower cover and heading straight for the wild skysteeds’ hidden home in the mountains.

The vultirens far outnumber the skysteeds and the only chance for success is to talk the Sky King into helping them. He is against that with the way humans have not kept their word in the past. But Kie and her team deep down know that without their help the world as they know it will end.

Kie is the perfect heroine and one who goes through many emotions. She’s a brave leader but also frightened by her thoughts of failing. Her heart grieves each time a skysteed dies in battle. Skysteeds bond and are able to mentally communicate with one human. N’Rah is the beautiful devoted companion for Kie. They support each other while keeping a few surprising secrets that eventually are revealed.

The battles are exciting, though younger readers may not like the scenes of creatures being killed. Nothing very graphic but good to know beforehand as to what lies ahead. This unique fantasy adventure will appeal to middle grade readers who enjoy a story full of twists and exciting scenes spread out over 28 chapters. The ride you will be on is memorable tale sure to have you asking for more.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 7, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 336

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE SKY KING by Polly Holyoke

  1. Kie is a rare Nextara, one who can communicate with all systeeds. This adds a unique aspect to her quest as she is the only one in her group who can do this. Her special character trait provides added emotion and appeal to the story.
  2. Humans and animals. The relationship between the unique skysteeds and their riders is displayed here and it shows best friends don’t always have to be human. The scenes with skysteeds bonding with their human for the first time were heartwarming.
  3. Once again the world building is exceptional. The skysteeds and their riders flying through the storms to reach their destination was a page turning encounter.
  4. The bold and exciting cover. It will attract even those who don’t usually read fantasy.
  5. I was thankful for the handy list of characters at the beginning as there are many.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Polly Holyoke is the author of the award-winning Neptune Trilogy and the acclaimed Skyriders series. She grew up hiking, skiing and camping in the Colorado mountains. A former social studies teacher, she has LOVED books and reading. She even wrote her first book, 2 Days at Eagle Pass Ranch, with her best friend when she was in fifth grade. This remarkable tale about two girls outwitting horse thieves was never published, but it did get her hooked on writing stories.

Polly has always adored horses and been fascinated by the Pegasus myth. Her favorite picture book when she was little was a beautifully illustrated story of the Greek hero Bellerophon who tamed Pegasus, and together they defeated the terrible three-headed chimera terrorizing Lycea. She’s also been intrigued by the brave young riders of the American Pony Express, and she combined elements of both to create her Skyriders series.

Her husband introduced her to scuba diving, and she’s been fortunate enough to dive all over the world. Like her heroine Nere in her Neptune Trilogy, she is mildly claustrophobic, so she doesn’t dive in wrecks or lava tubes anymore.

She currently lives in the mountains of Colorado with two rescue Chihuahuas and a nice husband who puts up with piles of books all over their house. She enjoys going to work in her pajamas and getting paid for daydreaming.

(For more about Polly and her books, visit her author web site)

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW! AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

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SKYRIDERS

Posted on January 10, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

SKYRIDERS is the first book in this epic fantasy adventure. I will be featuring the sequel next week, THE SKY KING, on Marvelous Middle Grade Monday but couldn’t resist jumping into the story from the beginning with Book One.

Thirteen-year-old Kiesandra (Kie) is pictured on the cover with N’Rah, her beautiful winged skysteed she rides while delivering mail as a courier. A skysteed bonds with only one human and they communicate through mental thoughts. She lives with her Uncle Dug. What gets the plot rolling along in nonstop fashion is the imposing 3-headed creature hovering over Kie.

They are known as chimerae and their only goal is to kill. When they invade the town Uncle Dug convinces Kie to take his great-grandfather’s manual detailing how to fight these creatures to the commanders in Pedarth, the capital of the large empire.

The task is not easy since the ones in charge don’t believe in these outdated ways of fighting the beasts. The Skyforce army will fight them with modern techniques. Why would they even believe a lowly courier like Kie? But then Kie discovers that she can communicate mentally with any skysteed she touches and gains a few new friends. There’s Prince Shayne and Princess Halla, Courier Topar, and a groom, Dessie. Together they begin training using the old style weapons to assist the Skyforce in defeating the chimerae.

Kie is a wonderful heroine who will win many fans. She has doubts but becomes a brave leader by example, especially how she bonds with her skysteed. The other young characters also have memorable personalities, each one providing support in their quest.

The world-building is crucial in any fantasy and here it is done in top notch fashion. You will vividly see and feel this world through each of the enticing 29 chapters. Middle grade fantasy lovers have another winner with the enthralling SKYRIDERS.

PAGE COUNT: 320 BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 9, 2024

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Polly Holyoke is the author of the award-winning Neptune Trilogy (Disney/Hyperion) and Skyriders (Viking Children’s Books). She grew up in Colorado and enjoys skiing, hiking and camping in the mountains. She wrote her first book with her best friend in fifth grade. A former seventh grade teacher, Polly has visited over 300 schools and loves getting students excited about writing. She believes kids need to read, write, unplug from their gadgets and spend more time… daydreaming! (Author Website)

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.

Posted in MG Fantasy, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 1/6/25

Posted on January 6, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of MAY THE BEST PLAYER WIN by Kyla Zhao.

Brenda @ Log Cabin Library has a review of The Secret of Honeycake by Kimberly Newton Fusco.

Susan Uhlig liked the dual pov and the magic and hope in THE WITCHING WIND by Natalie Lloyd..

Carol Baldwin has guest blogger Kate Lundeen and her review of HEARTSMITH, an upper MG, YA title (ages 13-18).

Stephanie Robinson at Fairday’s Blog features a review of The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass.

Valinora Troy reviews Aliya to the Infinite City by Laila Riffat.

Jennifer Rummel has a review of PRINCESS SWAP.

Kasey @ THE STORY SANCTUARY reviews the graphic novel, BOY vs. SHARK by Paul Gilligan.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review and GIVEAWAY of ONE BIG OPEN SKY by Lesa Cline-Ransome. Rosi also shares three links for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out her MMGM choice for this week and my favorite review from last week: MUSIC FOR TIGERS.

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MAY THE BEST PLAYER WIN

Posted on January 5, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

Welcome to a new year of middle grade book reviews where hopefully you’ll find my new recommendations useful. View the alphabetical list of the over 1,000 middle grade books I’ve reviewed the past 12 years.

I’m playing catch-up first with a few titles from 2024 that I liked but never posted a review. First up is MAY THE BEST PLAYER WIN by Kyla Zhao.

You won’t find many books for young readers with the game of chess front and center in the plot. Even better is you don’t need to know anything about chess to enjoy the engaging characters and story in MAY THE BEST PLAYER WIN.

May is a 12-year-old 7th grader who started playing chess at age 6. She loves the game and her middle school team has won the state competition and are headed to the nationals.

Everyone at school and in the broader chess community is noticing May and her player strengths. The problem for May is some of her teammates are jealous. Two of her best friends may not be friends anymore. Others are hinting at whether she is really that good. This leads to a bet that she will become the team captain for the final competition. May will have to beat her teammates to succeed. The pressure mounts and May begins to question herself. Does she really love chess that much anymore?

May’s first person narration is spot on with the emotional journey she takes. There are scenes of gender bias sure to hit home with many readers. Writing about friendships in middle school is hard to get right, but here it is spot on.

Although this is the first middle grade book by Kyla Zhao I hope there are more to come.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 17, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 240

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MAY THE BEST PLAYER WIN by Kyla Zhao

  1. Even if you are a newbie as to how to play chess, you’ll be learning as you read. Each chapter is titled with a chess move and explained. I haven’t played chess since my first year in college but now yearn to give it another try.
  2. The themes explored will be familiar no matter what sport you enjoy. Constantly thinking about winning can begin to erode one’s enjoyment of the sport. You also struggle with the balance of time playing and practicing versus doing other things. Great discussion topics.
  3. Mario who is a soccer goalie becomes a new friend for May. Even though they play in two very different games, the parallels and differences in approaching their game add much to the plot. Mario provides support for May as does her other friend, Becca.
  4. Both parents are there for May and talks with her mom are especially helpful. Great to also see the adult characters shine.
  5. If you like puns there are plenty of them. Had me smiling throughout.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

After graduating from Stanford University in 2021, Kyla Zhao is a Silicon Valley techie by day and an author by night. Her books have been featured by CBS, NBC, Good Morning America, Vogue, Elle, Buzzfeed, South China Morning Post, and more. Kyla was also selected as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, a Tatler Leader of Tomorrow, and awarded a Certificate of Recognition by the California State Assembly for her contributions to Asian media representation. While she writes for various age groups and in various genres, her books all star women and girls of color challenging stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated spaces.

(For more visit Kyla’s author website)

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW! AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

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MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY 12/30/24

Posted on December 30, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features THE BOY IN THE BALLOON by D.A. Schaeffer.

Valinora Troy reviews The Load of Unicorn by Cyntha Harnett

Jennifer Rummel has a list of her 5 star reads for the year.

Faith Hough is back with a review of Beyond Mulberry Glen, by Millie Florence.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out her MMGM choice for this week and my favorite review from last week: A SPLIT SECOND.

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THE BOY IN THE BALLOON

Posted on December 29, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

Independently published middle grade books rarely get the recognition they deserve. Authors don’t have a big publishing house leading the way and often their book is only available in paperback. But when I have an opening to feature a good one I jump at the chance.

THE BOY IN THE BALLOON is a modern fantasy tale about 11-year-old Ben. He hasn’t had much success living in foster homes. His fourth family is a nice couple who let him have two dogs.

He bonds immediately with his two pets, but eventually his foster parents worry it’s his only interest. The mom’s solution is to get rid of the dogs.

No way will Ben let this happen so he plots his escape. Then something fantastic happens. A balloon with a ship attached (The F.S Quest) arrives at his bedroom window.

Ben and his canine mates jump aboard where magic is the main attraction. The dogs are now able to talk and a guide who looks like a chimpanzee is there to help but often doesn’t stay around for long. He first teaches Ben how to drive the ship balloon before Ben learns he is on a quest.

He can either save a young girl and her brother who need to be rescued from an awful family who has kidnapped them or just sail away leaving them to fend for themselves. Ben chooses to be the hero.

Dangerous beings set out to stop him and certain members of the family where the two kids are trapped don’t care if they bring harm to Ben. It’s not what he expected and thinks he made the wrong decision. Living with foster parents Sam and Myrna was not working, and this is even worse. He bravely comes up with a plan.

The third person narration moves along at a nice pace through 21 chapters. Even if Ben does end up rescuing these two kids you will still wonder what will happen to him. Will he just stay on the balloon forever, go home, or find a new place to live?

THE BOY IN THE BALLOON is an exciting story with an awful antagonist that will have you rooting for Ben to find the life he really wants. Highly recommended to those middle graders who enjoy modern fantasy.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 28, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 230

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE BOY IN THE BALLOON by D.A. Schaeffer

  1. The colorful, enticing cover is sure to bring more readers closer to giving this one a try. They won’t be disappointed.
  2. The hurt a child goes through when they don’t belong is perfectly depicted here. Ben’s only connection is with his dogs. He needs a human family but hasn’t connected with the right one.
  3. Themes of Friendship and Family get heartfelt attention. This would make a great read-aloud.
  4. Dog lovers will enjoy having these two dogs talk while still keeping their dog like behavior intact.
  5. Since this is Book One of The PURLANDION Chronicles, it had me wondering whether Ben will return as a character or will the balloon refocus on a new adventure with a different protagonist. Ben is someone you will want to spend more time with which also demonstrates the thoughtful way his character was depicted.

Who are you D.A. Schaeffer ?

An author and pastor for 40 years, I have written articles, scripts, study guides, and ten books. My work has received several writing awards and appeared in two anthologies, including A 3rd Helping of Chicken Soup for the Soul. I have loved reading since I was a young child, and writing since I attempted to get my first article published. My favorite authors are CS Lewis, Tim Keller, J.R. Tolkien, Kenneth Grahame, and J.K. Rowling (in no particular order). (Website)

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Be sure to check out all the other great features and reviews on today’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!

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MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY 12/23/24

Posted on December 23, 2024 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features My Favorite Holiday Read for 2024.

Valinora Troy reviews the horror tale, Black Gables by Eibhlis Carcione.

Jennifer Rummel is reviewing Keeper of the Lost Cities: Unraveled.

Kasey Giard at The Story Sanctuary reviews COYOTE QUEEN by Jessica Vitalis.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out her MMGM choice for this week and my favorite review from last week: WOLVES AT THE DOOR.

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